INTERVIEW with CHRIS FOX
(tour drummer for Ashlee Simpson)
by
Kate Corriero | Age: 19 | Western Mass.
People often tell me I have quite the list of adventures for a girl so young and so small. Similarly, I often note to myself this exact piece of actuality, as well; however, I never go out in forceful search for these heart-stirring and seemingly magnificent adventures in the world of music, entertainment, and other media of the sort. Certainly, I never went out in forceful search for this one adventure in particular: I never meant to crawl on tour with Ashlee Simpson, The Click Five, and Pepper’s Ghost with no clean clothes, no cell phone, no money, and no clue as to what it was I was actually getting myself into.
Truly, it was not as you would assume. I only caused a bit of harmless trouble, and having done so was, and still is, nothing new for me; I simply wanted more of a taste of that lifestyle... I knew people where the band was traveling to next, anyway... why not hitch a ride? That’s a good excuse, right? So, what? I was only 17-years old and passing myself off to be as a 19-year old music journalist of extreme professionalism. Really, it was just one week before my 18th birthday and I happened to be interviewing one of the two bands who was opening the show for Ashlees’ Autobiography Tour, and, in general, I happen to be fantastic at acting as a music journalist of extreme professionalism who is just a tad bit older than she actually is. Indeed, the article went to press a few months later, I am no fraud... I can assure you this fact, as well as the many other folk who love putting limits on my rather still-young-and-learning disposition. I am sorry my having only a GED and my having never attended college seems to make me seem so unreal; really, I am just full of ambition. A person in pursuit of their dreams should have no limits, regardless.
Chris Fox, the man with the face of a superstar, the man behind the music (“providing the beats,” as they say), is the man who I am so thrilled having met because, sincerely, I have never met a musician more polite, smiley and warm-welcoming than he. Chris is the kind of person who once you’ve met, you step back to feel that belly full of joy, knowing there are such cordial and kind-hearted people in the world such as himself. I met Chris before the show that evening. He was sitting backstage in the Orpheum Theater in Boston... second floor, first room on the right... plunking away on his laptop. Indeed, I had no idea he was the drummer for Ashlee Simspon and that, in just a few hours, he would be on stage, rocking out for over 1,000 die-hard fans. I introduced myself for the purpose of being the polite journalist, conversing and mingling as I feel is necessary when behind-the-scenes, and we quickly engaged in conversation about the simplest of things; one of which included Chris introducing me to Toms’ world of MySpace, a website I have become all too part of, now. At one point, we coolly walked out from the backstage door to an abandoned row of seats, where we sat in silence to watch Pepper’s Ghost kick it Rock n' Roll style for the crowd who loved every minute of it.
After the show, I grabbed a hold of Chris’ backpack, which was tightly hugged to his shoulder, as we ran for the bus in the front parking lot. I have never been squashed upside a bus larger than life itself by handfuls of screaming fans that, I might add, looked a little too much like Miss Simpson herself. And although I still feel horrid and embarrassed at having let Chris get the blame for allowing my underage self to hop aboard as the tour stowaway, I did have a most wonderful time eating licorice and wheat thins with Chris and the rest of the band while watching The Incredibles on a flat screen TV that hung toward the front of the bus.
Since Mr. Chris Fox has impressed my so-insignificant being a tremendous amount with his kind stature and talent (seriously, I have never seen anyone beat down on drums the way he does, except for a cousin I have... but family is a different story), I want the world to know about this extremely “cool dude" who, if you haven’t gathered thus far, is the very rad, superstar drummer for Ashlee Simpson. His position in dishing out the beats behind the Ashlee tunes you listen to should be recognized and appreciated just as much as any musician who works hard with all their heart, well-noted or not. So, let’s ask him some questions...
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Kate Corriero: Since there is very little about you mentioned anywhere online or elsewhere, tell us a little bit about yourself. What was the most influential piece to your upbringing alongside music?
Chris Fox: I was born in Fullerton, CA on April 3rd, 1979. I lived there until I was about twelve, at which point, I moved to Irvine, CA. I lived there until I was fifteen, and then I moved to Arizona where my family bounced around for a few years. I moved back to Fullerton just before I turned twenty-one, and I’ve lived there ever since. I’ve been playing in bands since I was eight, and I started playing clubs when I was about seventeen. I always knew I wanted to be a musician, my mom always had music playing in the car, but that’s about it.
KC: Is anyone in your family a musician? How did you get turned onto music in the first place?
CF: My mom played the violin when she was young, but not during my lifetime. My grandfather played the piano his whole life. As a kid, I always liked music. My mom, actually, got me started with the drums. I was really hyper when I was young, and she saw a flyer for drum lessons. She figured it would be a good way to keep me busy.
KC: What did your parents listen to while you were growing up? If what they listened to inspired you, what do you think it was about the music that hit you first?
CF: My mom listened to stuff like Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, Air Supply, REO Speedwagon, Queen, etc. My dad mainly listened to music from the 50’s and before. He also listened to a lot of show tunes (musicals), like Oliver, Paint Your Wagon, Annie, and My Fair Lady. I can't really say that any of it inspired me directly, at the time; I don't necessarily listen to the same things they did or still do, but there are definitely similarities and parallels between my tastes and theirs.
KC: What made you decide to play the drums as opposed to playing an instrument you could create melodies and chords with?
CF: I was seven when I started playing the drums, and, like I said, it was my mom's suggestion. So, at the time, I wasn't deciding between this instrument and that instrument. She asked, "Want to play the drums?" I said, "Sure." I didn't really go into it thinking I was going to do it forever. It was just something to do. A couple of weeks later, my brother started playing the guitar, and it was like: "Cool, now we can play together." I did try guitar, too... for about a week, soon after he started. It didn't really hold my interest. Now, though, I'd really like to learn how to play the piano and the cello, if I ever get the time.
KC: Do you play any other instruments? Do you like composing songs?
CF: I know power chords on guitar, which is the easiest thing you could do on guitar, but I wouldn't say that I could play it. I like to try composing songs, but since I don't actually play a melodious instrument, I just program stuff on my laptop using a program called Garage Band. It's nothing I take too seriously, it's just fun to mess around with.
KC: What is it about the drums that separate its being among other musical instruments?
CF: Well, as you said before, the drums are not a melodious instrument. They are usually the only strictly rhythm/percussive instrument in a rock/pop band, and therefore must carry the weight of that particular responsibility on their own.
KC: What is the main purpose of the drums, and what is their main purpose to you?
CF: In most rock/pop music, I believe the drums are the "backbone" of the music: the glue that keeps everything together. Of course, there are exceptions.
KC: How did you start playing drums for Ashlee Simpson?
CF: I had been in different bands with Ray Brady (Ashlees’ long time friend and guitarist) for a couple of years, before Ashlee decided to put a band together. So, when it came time to assemble a band, she enlisted Ray to find her the remaining members (his position as lead guitarist has been his from the beginning). Given our history together, Ray called and offered me the job without any kind of traditional tryout.
KC: Where and when did you first meet Ashlee?
CF: I met her at the tryouts for the bass and the rhythm guitar players. Since I pretty much already had the job (unless I really messed up for some reason), all I had to do was show up and play the audition songs with Ray while the other musicians tried out. I have to say, I was pretty nervous about meeting her... Not because of her "celebrity status" or whatever, but because she was my new boss I’d never met. I just wanted to make a good impression. I kept thinking, "What if she doesn't like me?"
KC: What is it like working with her?
CF: Working with Ash is very cool. She's a really positive person, and she doesn't make it seem like work. With Ashlee, everything's really laid-back and informal when compared to most solo artists. We're all friends... As opposed to a lot of artists, who, from what I hear, don't really interact with their band too much and just kind of treat the musicians strictly as employees.
KC: When you’re off the road, what is it like having her as a friend, as it is I am sure she’s always busy?
CF: It's pretty much like having a really busy friend.
KC: What kinds of requirements are there for the purposes of being in this industry and in the spotlight, like you are?
CF: Basically, you just have to know your stuff, and you have to be on your toes, because things change at the drop of a hat. As far as my being "in the spotlight" is concerned... I don't really consider myself to be in that position too much. I think it's awesome to be able to have many of these experiences so called "famous" musicians have (traveling, playing big, sold out shows, etc.) without dealing with the hassles of “being known.” I would hate having the paparazzi following me everywhere, and I would hate having people freak out if they saw me shopping, or something of the sort. I don't think I could handle my life being under constant scrutiny by the public eye.
KC: Being in the band, what have you learned thus far?
CF: Everything. It's hard to put into words. I'm a very different person now compared to when this whole thing started... in a good way, though. It's also taught me a lot about people... and, not necessarily in a good way. Not that I don't like people, but there are a lot of shady folks out there, and people who will use you for all they can.
KC: Why do you think people rise and fall in this industry?
CF: I think that nowadays, most people have a kind of Media-ADD. A person hears an artist they like, so they buy the album and they listen to it, and it becomes their favorite CD, and they become fully attached to that one artist. Then, a week later, something new comes out, and BAM! New favorite. And last weeks’ music just winds up being forgotten. A lot of people have a very narrow field of vision when it comes to music. They see what's new and hot, and that's all that exists to them. Also, because there are so many new artists coming out all of the time, it kind of poses a problem for the companies promoting them. It seems that they only have so much attention to give to their artists. So, in the end, someone ends up getting less attention than the rest, and they kind of get lost in the shuffle. There's so much music out there, but so little room for it all. It's pretty sad.
KC: What is the most ridiculous part of it all?
CF: The attention I get from people based solely on my job. For instance, people who would never have reason to talk to me in any normal situation quickly become very interested in being my friend, simply because I play for a well-known musician. It has given me a slightly more negative view of people. It’s just human nature, I guess.
KC: What is the most bizarre thing a fan has ever done to meet you?
CF: No one's really done anything crazy to meet me. Although, I have had female fans send me dirty pictures and videos of themselves. That's pretty weird.
KC: Who are some of your greatest inspirations?
CF: Neil Peart (Rush), Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band), Abe Cunningham (Deftones), Danny Carey (Tool), Abe Laboriel Jr. (session drummer), Stewart Copeland (The Police), Ringo Starr (The Beatles). I know there's more, but I can't think of them, right now.
KC: Are there any musicians or drummers who you would love to work with?
CF: Anyone with talent and a love for music.
KC: What musical projects are you working on now?
CF: Working with Ashlee keeps me pretty busy. I do have other non-musical business ventures I'd like to get around to working on someday, but I'm in no hurry. I've still got time.
KC: When you record in the studio, is there a certain frame of mind you need to be in?
CF: I try to keep the same mindset whether I'm recording or playing live. It's all about maintaining a good vibe, no matter what the situation. Sometimes, it can be very difficult to prove, at times. Although, playing live, a small mistake here and there goes virtually unnoticed by the crowd.
KC: How serious must you be about your career? How serious must you be about being a part of Ashlees’ career?
CF: Well, if you're not serious about your career, no matter what it is, there's a lot more possibility for things to go wrong. Like any job, it's really about being professional and keeping a level head.
KC: What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you onstage?
CF: I almost pissed myself at a show. I drank a lot of water that day. So, two songs into the set, I started feeling it. Just before the last song in that particular set, we leave the main part of the stage (the part the audience sees), and then come back for an encore. As soon as the lights went out, I ran behind the curtain and just let loose. Talk about relief!
KC: Since you are a drummer, do you consider yourself a musician? Some people get confused. Some people think a drummer can’t be a musician. What do you think about that?
CF: I think that if you play an instrument used in music, you are a musician. True, drums in rock/pop music do not usually use specific notes and pitches to create melodies; although, in some forms of music, they do. Think of the music you and most other people listen to. You hear the drums, or some other type of percussion in about 90% of it, or more. What would that music sound like without the drums? I see it as a question of responsibility. In most modern music, the responsibility of the drums is equal (some would say greater) to all the other instruments, even though the drums ultimately serve a different purpose.
KC: What is the world of touring like for you? What is the best part of it? What is the worst part of it? Do you ever come across interesting people or situations you never thought you'd run into? Do you have any before-show routines?
CF: I love touring. There are always interesting things to see, and there are always interesting people to meet. Some are good, some are not so good, but they are all interesting. I'm not a big fan of airports, though. It's hard sometimes, being away from my son... but, no job is going to be perfect in every way. Being a touring musician is the best job I could imagine having, at this point in my life, next to being independently wealthy, that is. Each day has the potential to bring different things, so it's pretty exciting. You never know exactly what's going to happen on any given day. And the only real routine we have is a group huddle before every show, also known as ‘the Ninja.’
KC: Did you enjoy touring with Pepper's Ghost and the Click Five on your spring tour of 2005?
CF: It was awesome. I love all of those guys. They are just really fun guys. I wish both bands nothing but the best.
KC: What are some things you do on your time off? How often do you get time off, anyway?
CF: I just relax, I hang out with my son, I hang out with friends, I run errands. I do the normal, everyday stuff. As far as how much time I get off... It varies.
KC: Is there anything you wish you could have done differently in your career?
CF: Nope. I believe everything happens for a reason.
KC: Was 2005 a good year for you?
CF: It was definitely a fun ride. I learned a lot about myself and about life in general.
KC: As simply as you can, in your own words, what is it like to be Chris Fox?
CF: As simply as I can? Ok. One word... Awesome! Honestly, though, I feel very fortunate to have been blessed with such great opportunities, out of which I’ve gained some very great friends, and I’ve had experiences that, otherwise without them, may never have been possible.